We are privileged to operate in one of the world's most sensitive ecosystem and culturally unique locations in the world. Maldives is an island nation comprising of 1,190 islands of which some 200 islands are inhibited.
These islands are small, it is only three islands that have a land area greater than 3 square kilometers and only 33 islands have a land area in excess of one square kilometer. The economy of Maldives is predominantly dependent on fisheries and tourism, with tourism accounting for a third of its GDP.
Changing climate and warming seas have bleached spectacular coral gardens, strong currents and unpredictable weather patterns are eroding our beaches. These events threaten not just the tourism sector, but the survival and well-being of ordinary Maldivians across the country. In addition to consequences of global-warming, localized human-made activities have caused an adverse effect on the environment.
Meeru's sustainability is built on our core values, which distinguish us and guide our actions. We conduct our business in a socially responsible and ethical manner. We respect the law, support universal human rights, protect the environment and benefit the communities where we work. We strive to set the benchmark for responsible tourism, we are strong advocates of the overall positive impact of travel, and the key role it plays in establishing harmony between humanity and our environment. Our problems cannot be solved at the same level of awareness that had created them.
This report highlights just some of the efforts we are making across Meeru and Crown and Champa Resorts, and we are delighted that we are able to share this with you. We sincerely hope to inspire others towards the same fundamental purpose!
Meeru Team
About the Sustainability Report
This report summarizes Meeru Island Resort and Spa's sustainable development progress in the past two years and reflects on successes and challenges as well as performance data from the years 2018 and 2019. Environmental, economic, socio-cultural, quality, and health & safety areas are taken into consideration while elaborating the report. Furthermore, Meeru ensures on compliance with legislations in the above mentioned areas, for example Corporate Social Responsibility, employment laws, health & safety as well as environmental laws and regulations. Finally, the report helps to focus on key KPIs and objectives which are set to increase positive impacts and hence prepare to take corrective measures for the future wherever there is a deviation.
Meeru Vision and Mission
Meeru Island Resort and Spa's Vision is based on the common Vision statement of Crown and Champa Resorts. "Year upon year, CCR and its people will be recognized as the most successful hotel and resort management group in the Maldives."
Meeru seeks to positively impact the communities in which we operate through energy-efficient practices and sustainable education, while maintaining high-quality services to our guests. We acknowledge the need for responsible and sustainable environmental management at all levels, and we strive to incorporate good environmental practices into all of our decisions and operations.
In order to realize our Vision, our Mission is to make sure that every action is assessed for its environmental and sustainable impact, while exceeding the expectations of our guests, stakeholders and employees. Our shared values across Crown and Champa Resorts together with Meeru Island Resort and Spa allows us to deliver the unique combination of outstanding accommodation, service and the highest levels of customer satisfaction, with extraordinary emphasis on the creation of value. Meeru has the aim to develop, without compromising the natural environment and the local residents.
Meeru Core Values
The Core Value of Meeru Island Resort and Spa is 'Energizing and Continuing Improvement'. CCR and Meeru Island Resort and Spa will never stop seeking new challenges in progressive approaches. Meeru is generating new ideas and re-inventing the business while reviewing practices and systems in order to become more creative. This Core Value is based the overall Supporting Values of CCR which consist of Respect, Empathy, Sincerity, Openness, Reliability, Trust and Sensitivity.
These values are communicated to each team member through trainings and speeches by the senior management.
Sustainability Program Outline
Our Environmental Sustainability Program Outline aims to integrate a philosophy of sustainable de¬velopment into all the resort's activities and to establish and promote sound envi¬ronmental practice within our operations. We consider sustainable business practice to be essential to our success in growing our business and creating lasting value that meets the expectations of all our stakeholders and guests, now and in the future.
Our Resort endeavors to adhere to the following principles:
Monitor our environmental impacts and set goals to continually improve our sustainability efforts. In pursuit of this venture, Meeru evaluates the hotel activities and continuously seeks to improve any that adversely affect the environment. Furthermore, updates are shared in our social media platforms and the Meeru website.
Key Members of Sustainability at Meeru
The policy is revised periodically to ensure its applicability to activities of the Resort and to align with CCR's common sustainability policy and vision and the industry's evolving standards. Our General Manager, Director of Operations, Chief Engineer, Human Resources Manager and In-house Doctor, together with Meeru Team always make sure that everything is in order under their respective assigned task. Sustainability and CSR are part of the declared company policy, not only included in our mission or vision statements, but understood as a matter of attitude in conducting the business. Actions and ideas are initiated from all levels of the management and from the employees. The overall supervision of sustainable practices lays with our General Manager, Ali Shifaz . He and the entire Meeru Team strive to exceed excellence in the daily operations
For Maintenance and project works our Chief Engineer, Hamid Naseem, is the responsible person to monitor the standards set forth. He assures the delivery of quality, cost effective maintenance services to the resort guests and all operating and administrative departments. Together with Meeru team, works are carried out effectively to minimize disruption and/or inconvenience to the team members and guests resulting to a sustainable environment.
Crown and Champa Resorts (CCR) and Meeru Island Resort & Spa Management follows Labour and Human Rights policies of the Maldives. The Management strongly believes in the protection and support of their employees' rights as well as human rights in general. The people that work in Meeru are the main asset to provide high quality service and maintain proper relationships with the guests in the Resort's accommodation. We believe that satisfied and happy team members are able to deliver exceptional service to our guests. Our Human Resources Manager, Shiyam Moosa is the in-charge in looking after the well-being of the staff. Together with the top management of Meeru they administer the implementation of any policy required.Meeru Island Resort & Spa believes that the local community is a very important stakeholder. Respect and corporation with the community are benefiting both the resort and the local community. Meeru has actively contributed to the sustainable development of the local community and local environment through various corporate social responsibility programs.
Our Director of Operations, Areef Ahmed is the focal point and contact person in-charge for any local community plans and activities. Community development, environmental protection and economic progression of the community is achieved through various means of engagement with the local community. Recruitment of employees, purchase of fish from local fishermen, purchase of locally grown fruits and vegetables, hiring of services and equipment from neighboring island and engagement of various activities are programs that support the local community.
As part of the sustainability of the local community, Meeru employs 60% Maldivians wherein most of the team members are from various islands of the Maldives. Arts and craft made locally from team members and products in the Maldives are sold at Meeru Gift Shop. In addition, to showcase the rich culture of the Maldives various artifacts are displayed at the Meeru Museum which is accessible to our guests during their stay.
Meeru Island Resort and Spa is wholly committed to implementing, maintaining and continually assessing systems and processes internally and externally. A designated quality policy is in place to ensure that services fully meet the requirements of our customers at all times. Each Head of Department is responsible for monitoring the quality of services provided. The General Manager with the support of the Management Team is working together to maintain and evaluate the Quality Management System of Meeru. CCR Training and Development and Quality Assurance Team conducts various trainings for team members in order for them to carry out all functions of their role to the desired standards.
An in-house Doctor is available to assist team members and guests with all healthcare needs. Meeru Doctor also provides trainings to team members to be able to perform any basic first aid needs in case of emergency. With the current pandemic situation, our Doctor Muhammad Ishaque is continuously implementing systems for a safe working and holiday environment both for team members and guests.
A Health and Safety Policy is available for Meeru to serve as a guideline for all guests and employees. Meeru Island Resort & Spa, makes every effort to provide a relaxed and safe environment to ensure that guests and employees are safe at all times. Various training courses and drills are scheduled on a monthly basis for all team members to make sure that they have proper knowledge and skills. All employees are required to remain on alert and to carry out risk assessments within the resort premises with a frequency relevant to possible harm. Meeru is continuously improving methods of operation to eliminate accidents in the work place and identifying the health and safety risk in every area.
Reporting Period
The reporting period for Meeru is based on the previous Sustainability Report which was assisting the resort to achieve Travelife Gold certification. The present report hence will cover the years 2018 and 2019 (two consecutive years). To be able to achieve targets, a baseline needs to be defined. The targets of 2016 and 2017 were based on the data of the year 2015. Having achieved the targets in 2017, the year 2017 is now the new baseline used for the current report and the data comparison of 2018 and 2019 for specific key actions and challenges that will be elaborated in the following pages.
To monitor objectives,there is constant reporting on the actual performance against set targets. There is use of Excel Scorecards, Presentations and Dashboards. Monitoring is done weekly, monthly, quarterly and yearly. When objectives are achieved, they are communicated to all team members and stakeholders. Every year, objectives are reviewed depending on the market dynamics and the business environment. The progress of Meeru's contribution to a sustainable environment is monitored to make sure that we are on track.
HACCP Certification
Food safety is one of the important aspects in food preparation, handling and production. Meeru applies and strictly follows international HACCP standards in order to make sure we serve well-handled food to guests and staff. HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points) certification is highly regarded in the hotel and food industry. It is the international standard of food safety which is complying with the World Health Organization (WHO) “Codex Alimentarius” and is also equivalent to ISO22000. In order to achieve HACCP certification, CCR and Meeru must adhere to strict food safety standards throughout the supply, storage and production process and complete an annual audit review by an accredited body. CCR and Meeru has collaborated with an organization from the UK, Ian Greaves International.UK (IGI.UK). Additionally, the assigned HACCP coordinator on the island is evaluating the standards during the daily operation.
Travelife Gold Award
Food and Drinking Water Validation
Furthermore, testing of drinking water, food samples, pool PH are in place which is completed on a regular schedule. SGS is the world's leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company. Meeru sends samples to SGS Sri Lanka to make sure that Meeru is a safe environment for guests and staff.
Water - KPI's
Water initiatives like usage of irrigated from water provided by the on-site sewage treatment plant to water the gardens and the installation of water flow aerators are cost saving measures. Minimizing the water consumption without compromising guest comfort or health and safety are one of the major goals of Meeru.
Water management has been a key area of concern for us and we have been adjusting the flow rates, while calibrating the equipment for optimum water usage.
Actions to reduce flow output:
Actions to minimize water loss and consumption:
The above graph and tables are representing the Water Management for 2017 to 2019. A huge saving was shown for the period between 2015 and 2018. Due to various reasons, the consumption of water was rising in 2019 by 5.5%. One of the major reasons for the rise of water consumption was a great water leak which was identified from different parts of the island. Due to the size of the island and the scope of work, Meeru was not able to identify the location and to fix the leak immediately. Additionally, Meeru was in full operation with a high guest occupancy which is causing a further challenge for the conduction of such major works. Fixing a leak requires a huge area to be excavated to be able to replace the damaged pipelines and to lay new ones requires time and consistency. These circumstances resulted in a higher consumption and wastage of water in 2019. Finally, the challenge was rectified in March 2020.
Energy - KPI's
Meeru has various measures to make sure energy saving is in place. Energy efficient equipment, training staff to minimize energy consumption, controlled and monitored automated outdoor timer systems and recycling of waste energy are some of the implemented ways to conserve energy.
Reducing energy consumption assists in the reduction of Meeru's environmental impact and at the same time lowers energy costs. In order to minimize energy consumption, the following key actions have been undertaken:
Meeru's Energy consumption for 2017, 2018 and 2019 is shown on the graph below. The consumption in 2017 and 2018 shows a great positive development in decreasing the consumption per guest night, while in 2019 the impact was less. This is due to the fact that in 2018 and 2019 the occupancy was almost the same throughout the year, resulting in less energy saved.
The total energy consumption per guest night was reduced by sixteen percent when compared to 2017 and nineteen percent when compared to 2015. Moreover, 44 additional heat recovery water heating systems were installed.
Waste and Pollution - KPI's
Meeru is committed to reducing the amount of plastic water bottles and obtains water in glass bottles via its desalination plant. Fresh water is derived from seawater through reverse osmosis, mineralized and chilled, before being bottled in a top-of-the-line facility at Meeru. The plant is scrupulously maintained, with the bottles themselves sterilized in a special machine between each use. All Meeru team members are provided with re-usable water flasks, which can be refilled at numerous water filtration points found in staff accommodation areas. The savings for the environment are not only the obvious reduction in single use plastic bottles, but also include the omission of transportation of the bottles from Malé to the resort. Meeru has replaced most of the drinks with glass bottle containers to be able to support the “No” to single use plastic campaign.
As part of our commitment to protecting the marine environment surrounding Meeru and in the wider region of the Maldives, we have removed all plastic straws and replaced them with paper straws. Some other ways to reduce our waste include printing responsibly, encouraging our suppliers to reduce packaging when delivering supplies and ordering in bulk whenever possible, banning single-use plastics and recycling all organic waste for mulching and converting to organic garden soil.
Parley for the Oceans
Furthermore, Meeru Island Resort & Spa has partnered with Parley for the Oceans. Meeru is dedicated to advocating environmentally sustainable business operations, with an aim to positively impact the communities in which it operates through energy-efficient practices and sustainable education whilst maintaining high-quality services to its guests. As part of its ongoing environmental awareness and conservation programs, Meeru is working together with Parley to avoid, intercept and redesign plastics products on and around the island. Conservation of the pristine nature of the Maldives and protecting the unique marine life are the goals of Meeru's participation on several global and local environmental initiatives.
Segregation of plastic from other types of garbage is being practiced by Meeru and its team members. Garbage bins are color coded and/or labeled for garbage separation. In addition, Meeru team visits the neighboring island Dhiffushi to educate the people on garbage segregation and recycling. Island cleaning is a part of this Meeru-Euro Divers-Parley program. Saving the environment by having a clean and plastic free island
Waste Management
Tree waste is composted, reducing the number of garbage trips made to Thilafushi (Garbage Island). Since the installation of a custom made shredder for tree waste, the resort has reduced the number of garbage disposal trips made to Thilafushi in terms of tree waste by 46%. The number of boat trips transporting to Thilafushi has decreased by 5% during 2019 when compared to 2017.
The shredded materials are used to fertilize the gardens around the island. With this action, our contribution to use natural fertilizers are far greater than before and is accounted to developing more sustainable cultivation on the island.
The used oil from generators and kitchens are re-used to run incinerators and accordingly reduce diesel fuel costs. This module is incorporated in the incinerator since 2010. A great way to save costs for diesel at the same time a good way to re-use the used oil instead of disposing it.
Managing the waste in Meeru has really been practiced and implemented to reduce, re-use and save.
"No" to Single Use Plastic
The resort addressed the main component of plastic waste (plastic water bottles) already in 2014 by opening a bottling plant which resulted in a reduction of use of plastic water bottles by 30%. Building on this development, the introduction of “re-usable water bottles” for all employees of the resort was even enhancing the initiative and has contributed a lot in avoiding the use of single use plastic. Continuing what has been started, water refilling stations in different staff block have been installed.
The majority of team members are using the refilling station and the purchase of plastic water bottles has been noticeably minimized in the past two years. In addition, glass water bottles are used in all the restaurants, bars and in all the guest rooms to encourage guests to participate in the campaign. At the end of 2018 water bottles and a campaign to use re-usable bottles has been implemented to team members and guests. Purchasing of plastic water bottles was minimized tremendously.
As visible in the table, the total amount of plastic water bottles was reduced from 2017 to 2019 by almost 71%. A great success which was possible through team work and the support of the management team. The use of paper straws in all the outlets and bars were also implemented in the reporting period. Instead of automatically adding a paper straw to each drink, guests are having the option to refuse straws completely. The following table is indicating that plastic straws are completely extinguished since end of 2019. Since 2018 the usage was minimized and also the usage of paper straws has been halved between 2018 and 2019.
Additionally, Meeru team members were encouraged to use re-usable paper bags for their personal purchases from the staff shop or for any requested items from the stores. In 2020, the usage of single use plastic bag has been completely discontinued. Furthermore, team members are now using re-usable containers or bags whenever they purchase items from the staff shop. It is also mandatory to use re-usable bags whenever team members are visiting Male' to avoid bringing plastic bags to Meeru. This measurement is monitored by our boat crews and HR team.
Food Waste and Others
As for other waste, the key types are significantly reduced except for crushed glass and construction waste. Food Waste has been reduced by 4.9% between 2018 and 2019 and also compacted plastic waste was able to recognize a reduction of 20.6%. Crushed glass was expected to increase as a lot of glass is now being used due to above mentioned measurements. Below table shows the increase in Waste 4 - Crushed glass, due to the increased use of glass bottles in Meeru, while reducing plastic bottles. On the other hand, construction waste increased due to upgrading project works including renovation work during the years 2018 and 2019.
The below graph gives an indication of the waste production per guest night (PGN) in the years 2017-2019. The total waste produced per guest night in 2018 was 6.02 kg while in 2019 it decreased by 1% to 5.96 kg. The Target for 2020 is to achieve a reduction of 2.5% or 5.87 kg per guest night.
Key Actions, KPI and Monitoring
Meeru's sustainability policy ensures on social and environmental actions to enhance positive impacts and mitigate or avoid negative impacts of operations on the island, the planet and the people while increasing our profit. We recognize our responsibilities towards the local communities, the environment & resources in the Maldives. We ensure that our activities are in accordance with the relevant legislations. Therefore, Meeru has respective policies in place that encompass environmental actions, employees, health and safety, quality assurance, responsible purchasing, the local community and the safeguarding of children. Additionally, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are also present to make sure that the standard is respected and also to help measure and monitor the progress in the outlined key areas.
Sustainable Activities
Meeru Island Resort and Spa firmly believes in developing sustainable tourism as a reality in order to meet the needs of our guests and local communities while protecting and enhancing opportunities for the future. Hence, Meeru is committed to managing resources in such a way that the economic, social and aesthetic needs can be fulfilled for both present and future generations while maintaining cultural integrity and essential ecological processes, including biological diversity and life support systems.
An environmental awareness program is run by our CCR training department which is incorporating a “Nature Walk” on the island, to educate our team members in regards to any sustainable and environmental concerns.
Nature Walk
The “Nature Walk” is additionally an activity in Meeru that is conducted every Sunday and/or any day depending on the demand from the in-house guests. It is a guided tour conducted by Sports, Entertainment and Activities department. Guests are given a tour around the island and receive information about the history of various trees and plants. This tour emphasizes on the importance of the trees that surround us and outlines the importance and benefits of maintaining these trees and plants.
Save the Maldives Initiative
In the marine environment, the Euro-Divers team is trained to deliver important advises to the divers during orientation dives and dive briefings in regards to safe diving practices and to avoid any negative impact on any sea creature. We also feature a “Save the Maldives” short clip in all the room TVs for our guests to be more aware of how to protect the prone marine environment. Apart from the basic rules of not throwing trash into the sea, not to anchor or touch corals, not to collect marine life and not to feed the fish. Divers are well informed to secure all regulator hoses and gauges to their BCD, to maintain good buoyancy, to watch their fin kicks and to keep a reasonable distance from the reef. Euro-Divers also emphasizes any potential marine life hazards in the different areas they operate.
Coral Planting
To ensure that marine life and surrounding environment is protected for the next generations to come, numerous acts are implemented and practiced by Meeru and the Euro-Divers Team. One example is our “Coral planting” project which is a success. For over four years Meeru Coral garden has grown and developed into a beautiful underwater nursery. Turtles, stingrays, different school of fishes and other marine creatures are visiting Meeru Coral Garden which makes it as a special spot to visit for holiday makers of Meeru.
Green Fins
Green Fins – Code of Conduct for Responsible Divers. Euro Divers Maldives wears Green Fins, Helped by the Reef World Foundation. Green Fins was created as an initiative from UNEP (United Nation Environment Program). It provides diving and snorkeling operators environmental standards, good visual material for environmental awareness to ensure a sustainable tourism industry for better and greater respect of the fragile marine environment for everyone to enjoy for many years. Different posters and recommendations are part of the signage of the dive centers
Coral Reef Nursery
The coral nursery at Meeru Island Resort and Spa began in 2016 after a coral bleaching event which affected most of the coral reefs in the Maldives. In order to help speed up the recovery of the reefs, fragments of coral are places onto frames where they can grow before being placed back on the reef. Meeru Island Resort and Spa's coral nursery is one of the most successful in the Maldives and as such, the lagoon where the nursery is located boasts a wide variety of fish species. It is not uncommon to see turtles, rays and small reef sharks cruising in this area. Four years have passed and corals have grown and different varieties of sea creatures have inhabited the coral nursery at Meeru. These conservations efforts provide a great snorkeling experience, while allowing Meeru to share the beauty of the Maldivian Ocean and fostering environmental awareness through interactive guest activities.
An underwater camera has also been installed in 2020 to view the live activities happening at the coral garden. This project is available to be viewed at here . To see the real beauty Meeru guests can snorkel and swim above the coral gardens and take part in guided activities carried out by designated team members. Our dedicated staff are here to educate, inform and create awareness about the coral reef system and to increase the resilience of live corals and marine life for generations to come.
Maldivian Manta Ray Project – Manta Trust
North Male Atoll is one of the larger atolls of the Maldives and has numerous channels which funnels nutrient rich waters from the deep of the Indian Ocean straight into the areas surrounding Meeru Island Resort and Spa. Meeru Island Resort and Spa sits on a reef that is one of the most easterly points of the Maldives, resulting in an incredible diversity of fish life and corals.
In collaboration with Euro-Divers Maldives, the Maldivian Manta Ray Project (MMRP) was founded with the goal of learning more about the life cycle, population dynamics and habitat usage of the Maldivian manta population, whilst also working with the government, tourists, local communities and tour operators to create greater appreciation and protection. North Male Atoll, where Meeru Island Resort and Spa is located has a large population of resident manta rays. Meeru and Euro Divers team dives at different locations depending on the season.
Local Purchase
Purchasing the fish locally from the fishermen, cuts out the middlemen and the fishermen are given the market price for their product. All our fish comes from fishing boats from our neighboring islands and are fished using pole and line, which is one of the most sustainable fishing methods. As visible in below table, the total fish purchase in kg was increased in the past reporting period in order to support the local community and to minimize imports.
Hazardous Substances
Meeru has committed to purchase biodegradable chemicals. Consequently we are carefully selecting all our suppliers and producers in line with these parameters. Some examples include that the purchase of R22 has stopped since the year 2016. It is replaced with either 417a or 410. Fertilizers produced from shredded ecological waste and STP are used for gardening which results in the reduction of fertilizers purchases. Sanitizing and chemical solution dispenser stations are installed in various areas for accurate emulsion of chemical liquid. Continues training for handling chemicals is conducted to educate our team members regarding proper usage of all products.
Healing Earth
Meeru has partnered with Healing Earth, a leading spa and hotel amenities provider, and developed and launched a bespoke collection of completely green and eco-friendly products exclusively for our guests. Luxurious and effective, natural and environmentally friendly, each product has been thoughtfully developed with the pampering of our guests and the health of Meeru's precious natural environment in mind. Meeru's Healing Earth hand and body wash, shampoo and conditioner, hand and body soother are all biodegradable. These sensuous, results-driven Healing Earth products are all housed in beautiful recycled glass packaging created specifically for Meeru guests. What's more, several of Duniye Spa's treatments, are complemented by Healing Earth products, which are free from petrochemicals, synthetics, colorants preservatives and parabens
EcoLab
A clean and safe environment is what Meeru provides to team members and guests. EcoLab is a global leader in water, hygiene and infection preventions solutions and services to the food, healthcare, hospitality and industrial markets. The products and services keep the environment clean and safe, operate efficiently and achieve sustainability goals. In the Maldives, GreenPath Private limited is the exclusive distributor for Ecolab products and services. With their commitment to the conservation of resources and the presentation of the quality of our environment Meeru Island Resort and Spa supports Greenpath and continuously uses their products including EcoLab chemicals. EcoLab provides eco-friendly cleaning solutions and their packaging reduces waste, reuses materials and enhances recyclability. They ensure that safety and sustainability are integrated into their products resulting in good safe and compliance-based quality, while minimizing environmental impact
Ecolab dispenser stations are installed in housekeeping huts, kitchen and other areas around the island for correct mixture of chemicals. These cleaning and chemical solutions are used for sanitizing and cleaning purposes.
Homegrown Supplies
The vegetable and fruit garden at Meeru encloses developed cultivated areas where both fruits and vegetables are being planted and grown. It provides the kitchens with an abundant supply of fresh fruits and vegetables every day. Over 20 different varieties are grown on site, from sweet potatoes to watermelons to chilies and zucchini. This ensures that all the restaurants offer healthy, nutritious and fresh produce, without having to import such ingredients and helping to minimize our impact on the environment. This garden also features a plant nursery for orchids and seeds to enhance our gardens and island landscaping. Our Chefs and gardeners visit the farm regularly to ensure that quality and production are up to standard.
We invite our guests to join our Nature and Vegetation Exploration tour to understand how we manage to grow fruits and vegetables on a remote island in the Indian Ocean and how this vegetation helps preserve and respect our surroundings.
As a part of promoting the Meeru Garden, there was also a feature during the World Food Day celebration in Meeru.
Our Guests together with Meeru team members participate in various global environmental and sustainability campaigns. Earth Hour, World Ocean Day, World Environment day, World Tourism Day to name a few are some of the highlights throughout the year
A major event in Meeru in the past years was the World Tourism Day 2019. Guests were given a guided tour on the Meeru Museum to show the rich culture and heritage of the Maldives. For 2020 World Tourism Day was celebrated with beach and Reef cleaning activities.
Earth Hour 2019, another world wide event that Meeru team together with its in-house guests joined as a family. Lights around the island, in guest and staff areas were turned off for one hour. Lighting of candles at the beach symbolized the support to save energy.
In addition, Meeru celebrates special events in relation to Environmental and Sustainable Awareness every year to show support to the global happenings worldwide:
A great initiate to involve guests on the island and to reduce plastic waste in the Maldives are “Meeru's Eco- Friendly Rubbish Bags”. Meeru guests are encouraged to bring back home used plastics and even plastic bottles. Guests can fill the bag during their stay, as this environmental friendly bag is provided in all the guest rooms upon arrival in the resort.
Guest Feedback
With positive reviews and feedback from guests, Meeru has received various recognitions and awards from different Tour Operators as well as HACCP and Travelife Gold certification in 2018 and 2019. Awards include recognition from Agoda, Holiday Check, Hotels.com and TUI Deutschland. In 2018, TUI has awarded Meeru as one of the most sustainable hotels (TUI Environmental Champions 2018). While in 2019, Meeru received the Travelife Gold Award. This year 2020, Meeru already received 8 awards from Tour Operators including a HACCP Compliance Certificate.
All the accolades are placed at the Reception Awards wall and we have also posted them in our Social Media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn
Child Protection and Harassment Policy
Meeru also complies with Law no. 9/91 – Law on the Protection of the rights of Children. This is to protect all children at all the CCR resorts including Meeru. This law provides a safe environment for children. The policy ensures that CCR/Meeru is committed to safeguard children from any abuse in any form (physical, emotional, sexual abuse or neglect).
Meeru acknowledges that all team members have the right to be treated with dignity and therefore must be provided with a working environment that is free from harassment of any form. One of the important policies in Meeru is the harassment at work policy. Meeru does not tolerate behavior from any member of staff which might constitute unpleasant behavior towards others. Preventing any action from occurring is the outmost priority. This policy does not exempt anyone as this applies to all the members of staff, supervisor or manager.
Local Community Engagement
To support the local community, Meeru employs many Maldivians, with the majority from the islands of North Male atoll and sources many local products such as local Maldivian handcraft and fresh fish caught daily by local fishermen. Guests can also meet locals from our neighboring island Dhiffushi, while dancing, accompanied by our traditional Bodu Beru music performance every Friday in Kakuni Bar. Guests get to meet locals performing a traditional drum and dance performance called Bodu Beru and get a peek into the authentic Maldivian lifestyle.
Overall, Meeru supports the local community in different ways:
'Moodhu Madarusaa' – Marine Education Program
Meeru is aiming to continue to maintain this relations with the local community and will find other areas in which we can get the participation of the local community in various programs and projects.
One of these projects is to inspire the next generation of Maldivians to protect their own environment. A representative of Euro-Divers travels to schools on local islands close to Meeru Island Resort and Spa to teach the students about the wonders of the ocean.
'Moodhu Madarusaa' (Dhivehi for Ocean School) is a marine education program started by the Manta Trust and is supported by the Euro-Divers Meeru team. It aims to educate students about environmental issues faced by their communities and engages them with the solutions and ecosystems right on their doorstep. A theory class about a subject relating to the ocean followed by a practical activity focusing on what they have just learnt, such as snorkeling are done. This allows the students to go into the ocean and get up close and personal with the incredible underwater world.
Educational and Exposure Trips
To support local schools Meeru accepts educational/exposure trips from various schools in the Maldives. Dhiffushi BTEC School (Local Island near Meeru) and Iskandar School (Male' City) are some of the schools who visited Meeru during the years 2018 and 2019. The purpose of the educational/exposure trip is for the students to familiarize themselves with various areas of Meeru operations, to explore the scope of work in different departments and to look into information for future internship and maybe an employment opportunity. The General Manager together with his management team shares information about Meeru and shares their words of wisdom to encourage students to strive hard in their studies for their future.
Corporate Social Responsibility
Lastly also the community welfare and development under the aspect of Corporate Social Responsibility is a very important aspect for Meeru. In collaboration and partnership with the government, the owners of CCR also assist in nationwide projects through the NGO, Ali Fulhu Thuthu Foundation (AFTF) AFTF is wholly funded by the owners of CCR, with the aim of partnering for greater impact and reach in community development. Meeru was able to contribute to the development of a sewage system in our neighboring island Dhiffushi
Human Resource Activities
The employees of Meeru are from different countries around the globe, and it is important to recognize that while everyone's background is unique, it is essential to respect and understand each other's differences, in order to live in harmony on the island and to work successfully together as a team. The official working language of all employees is English.
Grooming Standards and Accommodation
Uniforms are provided to all the employees and proper grooming standards are imposed to both male and female employees. One of the prime objectives of the Meeru is to create an environment in which employees are proud to work. Meeru management values highly the efforts of those people who show continuous loyalty and endeavor and would like to show its appreciation by offering certain employee benefits.
The majority of the employees share accommodation while some of the team members are allocated with a single accommodation. All staff rooms are provided with basic room furniture and amenities.
Recreational Facilities and Recognition
Meeru takes great pride in providing all employees with a variety of recreational and excellent sports facilities. These are made available for all employees to use and are free of charge. “Ekuveni” is an indoor games room accessible for team members which also includes a coffee and tea making facility. Gym, swimming pool, football, volleyball, tennis, cricket and a multi-purpose court are some of the sports facilities.
Various events are scheduled regularly where all the team members are invited to participate. Sports activities includes volleyball, cricket, tennis and football tournaments. Staff functions/celebrations like staff party and recognition affairs namely Employee/Supervisor of the month and Long Service awards together with monthly birthday celebrations are organized.
Training and Development
Meeru also believes that learning is very important and should be a continuous process. Training is conducted as classroom sessions, but virtual learning and digital training sessions have become increasingly important in 2020. To ensure that proper information is given to the team members of Meeru, various trainings are conducted regularly with the assistance of the CCR Training and Development and Quality Assurance department. There is a wide variety of trainings such as the New Employee Orientation, compliance based trainings, or specific skill oriented training such as Soft Skills into Operation comprising the support of departmental trainers
Cultural Awareness training session is one example that focuses on knowing other culture's norms and practices to help build a better relationship among the staff. Besides the Environmental Awareness session, the team also offers Occupational Health & Safety training for a safe work environment, which gives knowledge to staff on how to prevent accidents during the daily operations. During the Ecolab training, team members will learn how to use chemicals. A representative of our supplier Ecolab visits Meeru to demonstrate and give information about chemicals.
Meeru T&D in coordination with SGS Sri Lanka also conducts Water Safety & Legionella Awareness trainings. A mindfulness training session that enlightens attendees on understanding the nature of water, causes and symptoms of Legionella and how we can prevent and control Legionella in the water systems of Meeru.
Team Building and Engagement
In addition, there are also team building activities arranged for Meeru team members to strengthen their working relationship and daily interaction. With the assistance of the Training and Development department, team buildings are held on a regular basis.
Maintaining a clean environment is another important aspect. Meeru team conducts monthly island cleaning activities. Besides the designated regular beach and island cleaners, there are five groups from different departments assigned to different locations. Team efforts of Maintenance, Administration, Guest Transport, F&B/Kitchen and Housekeeping departments maintains the beautiful and clean surrounding of Meeru.
Labour Rights and Legislation
Rights of employees are very important and to comply with the labour and human law, Meeru has implemented various Standard Operating Procedures protecting the staff and the management. Labour law and human rights are followed to achieve a balanced working relationship between the management, owners and the team members. The Human Resources department is up to date with the current rules and regulations of employees which results in a smooth working relationship. Immigration and working arrangements important points to remember are all in these documents.
Several information in regards to immigration and working arrangements are available under the following Link In addition, the link covers important information and legislation that is applied in Meeru including policies covering the finance sector, monetary policies and standards for registered banks in the Maldives.
Immigration Policy
In accordance with the local legislation and within the requirements of the Modern Slavery Act, the procedure of handling of employees' passport documents of foreign employees was implemented. Agreement between the employee and the employer has been applied and facilitated by the Human Resources department. This policy has been implemented since 2018 as an additional policy for passport safekeeping.
Disciplinary Policy
Additionally, a disciplinary policy is in order to maintain the living and operating standards within the Resort. This also ensures that the correct company and legal procedure is followed with regards to any disciplinary action that may need to be taken with employees. The disciplinary policy is applied consistently and fairly to all employees without discrimination. The main objectives are to ensure that employees perform effectively and that Meeru rules and regulations are maintained.
Health and Safety Policy
Our main aim is to make the resort a safe place for all the guests and employees. Safety means how to act in undesirable situations. The health of our team members is important for them to carry out their assigned tasks properly. It is the policy and objective of Crown and Champa Resorts and Meeru Island Resort and Spa to do all that is reasonably practical to prevent illness and personal injury to its employees and guests. Good Health and Safety practices align to our brand reputation and Meeru is doing everything feasible to ensure that this policy is effectively carried out.
As an initiative to reduce our carbon footprint, the use of digital media and mobile application have been practiced and enhanced in the past years. In 2018, Meeru started to reduce paper consumption by using online survey forms, departure letters to be in IPTV and important information to channel via electronically. This project was pushed through in 2019 and a smooth transition was done. In 2020 a big leap was accomplished by adding the Mobile Application as a tool to share information to guests.
Information, advertisements and notice for the guests are now also provided using the IPTV facility in all the guest rooms. Departure letters and important notices to in-house guests are channeled through the TV as observance to reduce the usage of paper. Online guest surveys links are sent to the guests instead of handing over a printed paper survey form.
Subsequently, less paper and less waste is another contribution that Meeru enhanced in the past years. As visible in below table, the usage of paper has been reduced by 27% from the year 2017 to 2019. An even greater impact is expected for 2020 with the introduction of the Mobile Application for guests.
Progress during the Reporting Period
Planning and implementation are vital for a project to succeed. Meeru has accomplished a great amount of developments. Some areas are still under a continuous progress and the resort strives to achieve the defined goals. Various projects to improve and support a sustainable environment have been initiated and even concluded since the previous reporting period:
Future Targets and Objectives
Meeru will constantly strive to maintain a cleaner, greener and chemically balanced, safe environment for guests and team members. Continuous endeavors will be ongoing to sustain the present-day environment, to identify ways, and to practice methods that help to minimize the current fallouts and will improve by monitoring.
Meeru will also conduct regular meetings with the senior management team to further discuss the current statistics, to review the existing waste reduction strategies and opportunities, and to re-start the activities during “waste census weeks”.
One objective is to conceptualize additional activities and events that are interesting and encouraging more staff and guests to participate in saving the environment. We will continue to share videos about Meeru's contribution to environmental sustainability to all the social media platform. Meeru will also continue to actively take part in local and global events with the aim to preserve mother earth for future generations and future holiday makers of Meeru and the Maldives.
One aim for the upcoming year 2021, is the replacement of an additional 120 air conditioning units with eco-friendly units (non-inverter to inverter air-conditioning units) to further reduce the energy consumption and Meeru's carbon footprint.
Though it is quite challenging for an ongoing operation to run projects involving alterations to infrastructure Meeru has plans to integrate a photovoltaic system to the existing grid to conserve fossil fuel energy that is being used to run the island. Once executed, it is estimated to save 20 - 30% of the current consumption which will help lower the carbon foot print to a great extent. This project was initially due to be started during 2018 but due to many reasons it did not happen and is still on hold. Accordingly, the Photovoltaic system which will have a huge impact on energy conservation is one of the major projects to complete.
The upgrading of Meeru's food waste disposal system to a more advanced and eco-friendly system is also in plan for the upcoming year and should be completed by 2021.
To increase the quality standards in terms of service delivery, Meeru will further improve the Mobile Application. More services will be conveniently offered and will ease the process for team members to be able to focus on the delivery of exceptional guest service.
Lastly, Meeru will always aim to exceed the expectations and to put maximum effort in safeguarding the environment and thereby enlarge the ecological foot print for a sustainable future.
